NTSB recommends improvements for ag aviation

Based on findings from its Special Investigation Report on the Safety of Agricultural Aircraft Operations, the NTSB recommends the FAA and the National Agricultural Aviation Research & Education Foundation work together to develop and distribute agricultural operations-specific guidance on fatigue management, risk management, aircraft maintenance, and pilot knowledge and skills tests.

Agricultural operations are subject to many safety hazards because they fly low enough to have to be concerned about obstacles such as power lines, communications towers, and meteorological evaluation towers, NTSB officials note.

While these operations have historically ranked sixth or seventh among general aviation sectors in terms of hours flown, they have ranked third in terms of the number of annual accidents.

Based on a review of this data and the findings from several agricultural operation accident investigations, last year the NTSB initiated a special investigation to better understand the issues affecting the industry. During the 2013 aerial application season, the NTSB investigated 78 accidents, which included gathering information in the areas of pilot work and sleep schedules, pilot training and experience, and aircraft maintenance.

“Ag operations are inherently flown at low altitudes, often close to obstacles and hazards. That kind of flying requires rigorous risk assessment and risk management to operate safely,” said NTSB Board Member Earl Weener.

Investigators found that collisions with obstacles are a prevailing concern in the industry.

In addition to the special report and recommendations, the NTSB issued a new Safety Alert, “Preventing Obstacle Collision Accidents in Agricultural Aviation.” The alert encourages ag-operators to conduct thorough preflight and aerial surveys, use technology to identify and maintain awareness of obstacles, and have a better understanding of the performance limitations and requirements of their aircraft.

A companion Video Safety Alert was created and released to help inform and educate pilots, operators, and maintenance personnel.